Nickels is a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the College of Business. In addition to his achievements as an instructor, Nickels has also conducted research that has been published in several professional, peer-reviewed journals. The research conducted includes e-commerce, entrepreneurship and information technology-business alignment.

“Dr. Nickels establishes a learning environment that illustrates a passion for teaching and learning,” she said. “In Dr. Nickels’ classes, students are engaged in inquiry while demonstrating knowledge development and applying that knowledge to real-life applications within the community.”

The winner of the Eleanor Gaunder Teaching Excellence Award is chosen from various faculty nominees on campus. Committee members visited and observed classes of the nominees before making a final decision.

“Each year, these visits affirm that the University of North Alabama is a fine academic institution with many outstanding faculty members who care about the education of students,” Webb said.